Galatians 3:17
17And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.
Truth to Learn
Obedience to the Law has no effect on the covenant of righteousness between God and man.
Behind the Words
The expression “that was confirmed before” which Paul uses with regard to the covenant, comes from the Greek word “prokekurōmenēn.” This is a compound word made up of “pro” meaning “before in place or time” and a form of “kuroō” which means “to confirm or establish.” Hence, this means to establish or confirm something in time past. But this particular verb is expressed here in the perfect tense, meaning that it is a covenant which was established at a point in time in the past with a continuous, ongoing (and unchanging) effect.
Meaning Explained
Two verses back Paul used an example from human relations. He pointed out that when a covenant (a contract) is made between two people then no one can change that covenant. He now applies that principle to the current argument. Abraham was declared righteous by God when he believed God’s promise, and that’s when the covenant between them was established.
Genesis 15:5, 6 5Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
And the covenant that was established in the past has a continuous, on-going effect. This is the contract which God made with Abraham. They were the only ones participating in the covenant. The Law was not presented to Moses until 430 years after this covenant between God and Abraham. Since the covenant can’t be added to or annulled by anyone or anything, the Law cannot add to or take away from the covenant made between God and Abraham.
Paul has just demonstrated to the Galatians that their righteousness, like Abraham’s, is based on faith apart from the works of the law. Their faith is in the promised seed, Jesus Christ. Since their faith resulted in God declaring them righteous just as it did for Abraham, then, like Abraham, they cannot add to or take away anything regarding their righteousness by observing the Law, in part or in whole.
So What?
How long ago were you saved? Do you remember the exact moment that you confessed your sins and accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? That’s when God made a covenant with you (with continuous on-going effect). Keeping the works of the Law or the statutes or ordinances of a church or denomination cannot add to or take away from that. Period!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2007 Will Krause. All rights reserved.